The DUTA deplores the attempt by the Principal of St. Stephen’s College Mr. Valson Thampu, to engineer major changes in the Constitution of St.Stephen’s College just three months before his retirement from the post. A special meeting of the Governing Body has been called for this purpose tomorrow. According to a representation submitted by thirty-seven permanent teachers of the college, the changes will alter the basic character of the college, and make its Governing Body subservient to the Supreme Council. It will alter service conditions of teachers and come into conflict with the Ordinances of Delhi University on these and other matters, such as minimum qualifications of Principal, thereby endangering the recognition of the college as a Constituent College of Delhi University. This would, in turn, jeopardise the UGC grant given to the college and threaten the future of thousands of its students and employees.
The representation also mentions that the amendment is being sought to be made without any discussion with the main stake-holders namely the teachers, and in a truncated Governing Body in which the appointment of two teacher representatives by election (as per the College Constitution) and the Vice Principal have deliberately not been complied with by the Principal.
The DUTA expresses complete solidarity with the teachers, employees and students of St. Stephen’s College, whose service conditions and degrees are endangered as result of the irresponsible actions of the outgoing Principal, and demands that the meeting of the Governing Body scheduled for tomorrow be cancelled, the vacant posts in the Governing Body be filled forthwith and wide-ranging discussions with teachers and other stake -holders held on the matter before considering a matter as serious as this.
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